Favouritism rife in Department of Housing and Public Works, with 26 allegations of official misconduct made in past year

THE culture of favouritism and nepotism has become such an issue in one government department that it's stopping staff from deciding future recruitment.

The Department of Housing and Public Works (DHPW) integrity unit said most of the 26 allegations of official misconduct in the past year related to conflicts of interest and favouritism (15 per cent) but changes in "the near future" would prevent this in future.

It follows an investigation finding that a senior staff member attempted to appoint a relative to a temporary role.

The department's integrity unit manager Susan Murphy wrote in a submission of a misconduct prevention plan to the board of management that "of interest, seven of the eight allegations were raised by departmental employees and one (of the eight allegations) was substantiated".

"This information will be discussed with the Human Resources Directorate, noting the directorate addresses conflicts of interest /favouritism ... and it is not anticipated that the department will be involved in much recruitment and selection activity in the near future," she wrote.

DHPW acting director-general Neil Castles said the favouritism occurred in the former Department of Communities.

"The conduct concerned an officer inappropriately favouring a relative by attempting to appoint the relative to a temporary role," he said.

"A manager became aware of the matter, took action and the temporary appointment did not occur. The officer concerned was counselled."

The integrity unit's submission, which was obtained by The Courier-Mail under Right to Information laws, went on to say a third of allegations proven related to fraud or "misappropriation" including almost $12,000 from a corporate credit card, $3447 worth of stolen property and the misuse of cab vouchers totalling $423.80.